When we mention personality, we usually think about the positive and negative traits of a person. We also think that it’s a black and white situation, where one can be outgoing and the other the shy type.
However, personality tells us something more about ourselves and how we relate to people. It could be our stand when it comes to justice, our way of service, our way of communication, and our priorities in our lives.
What is the Myer-Briggs Personality Test?
It is an instrument developed by Isabel Myer-Briggs and her mother, Katharine Briggs, that made an insight to the type theory or the theory of psychological types described by C. G. Jung.
They made this theory accessible, understandable, and useful to people. What was once thought as random variation in the behavior of people in an organized and consistent set of personalities based on how these people differentiate their use of perception and judgment.
The goal of what the Myer-Briggs Personality test is to understand the differences between people and that all types are equal. No one personality type is better than the other.
When we think of a celebrity – someone who is used to walking the red carpets or smiling for the camera, we often think that these people are all extroverted and are all wanting attention. It may come to a surprise that many actors and celebrities are introverted. Still, their other personalities combined make them seem outgoing or approachable than others who are extroverted in personality. Even with ourselves.
We often think that we are a certain type of person and that we have a great personality, but when we find someone who tells us about our hidden quirks or our annoying outlook in life, we feel attacked by their comments.
So, what is the importance of knowing our personality by taking knowing what is the Myer-Briggs personality test and taking it?
Well, we get to know more about ourselves, and we get to understand who we are and perhaps change the things we do not really like about ourselves if it is such a bothersome issue. Yes, personalities can be changed. Usually, we develop these types of personalities based on our environment or our relationship with people. The more we understand ourselves, the more we can improve on who we are.
Before you conquer the Myer-Briggs personality test, perhaps you would like to know more about the personalities being described by C. G. Jung as presented by the Myer-Briggs Personality Test. Each set of personalities is described in a letter set that opposes another letter set. These letters of the alphabet are acronyms corresponding to each personality. What are these letters for?
I – Introvert | E- Extravert
N – Intuitive | S – Sensory
T – Thinking | F – Feeling
J – Judging | P – Perceiving
Here are the 16 Types of Personalities as according to the Myer-Briggs Personality Test:
- ISTJ
(Introvert, Sensory, Thinking, Judging)
This personality type is usually the type of person who is quiet and serious. Responsible, pragmatic, and dependable. Making use of logic to make decisions and does not hasten when it comes to accomplishing tasks. Stays focus most of the time. Loves organization and keeping things in order. Loyal people and values loyalty in general.
- ISFJ
(Introvert, Sensory, Feeling, Judging)
This type of personality is a quiet one but enjoys making friends. Most of the time, a responsible individual and has a strong sense of commitment. They are observant and remembers details about people. They are also empathic at most.
- INFJ
(Introvert, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging)
This type of personality looks out for purpose and meanings. They enjoys understanding people. They are very committed to values. Also, they have in mind the common good and inspires vision.
- INTJ
(Introvert, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging)
Overall, people who have this personality are quiet. This type strives to have original ideas and visions. They are determined in achieving goals. They are quite skeptical and have a great range in perspective. They are also highly-competent and independent.
- ISTP
(Introvert, Sensory, Thinking, Perceiving)
People in this personality type are observant and have quick thinking. They are tolerant and flexible with ideas. They are also logical and analytical. They are known to be efficient and appreciate efficiency from other people, too.
- ISFP
(Introvert, Sensory, Feeling, Perceiving)
ISFP people enjoy quiet but also enjoy making friends. They are sensitive towards self and others. They are living at the moment. They have strong dislike for arguments and conflicts.
- INFP
(Introvert, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving)
INFP people are the idealistic types. They are also curious and seeking possibilities. They have their own way of understanding people and helping them to become their best versions of themselves.
- INTP
(Introvert, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving)
People of the INTP type are seeking logical ways to explain everything. They enjoy theoretical and abstract ideas. They also have a deep focus and can come up with solutions to problems and issues that arise.
- ESTP
(Extravert, Sensory, Thinking, Perceiving)
ESTP people are pragmatic and quick to focus on results. They are energetic in facing problems. They take pleasure in spontaneity and being active. They are also learning through the process.
- ESFP
(Extravert, Sensory, Feeling, Perceiving)
People under the ESFP type have an outgoing personality. They enjoy making friends and practice an inclusive approach towards people. They have a strong positive outlook towards life. They also enjoy teamwork and hanging out in groups.
- ENFP
(Extravert, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving)
ENFP people have a warm presence. They are quite enthusiastic about life. They need validation from people while providing compliments and support to others. They are quick thinkers and have the gift of gab.
- ENTP
(Extravert, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving)
People under this personality type are resourceful in many ways. They can be a jack-of-all-trades. They are outspoken and would not think twice to share ideas. They are strategic in analyzing problems.
- ESTJ
(Extravert, Sensory, Thinking, Judging)
They are realistic, pragmatic, and quick to decide. ESTJ people apply logic and systematic standards. They are forceful when sharing ideas and executing plans.
- ESFJ
(Extravert, Sensory, Feelings, Judging)
People with this personality type have a warm presence. They promote harmony in the environment and groups. They are always open to working in a team. They are loyal. They are also helpful and a provider. They want to be recognized for their good deeds.
- ENFJ
(Extravert, Intuitive, Feelings, Judging)
ENFJ people are responsible. They are sensitive towards others’ needs and emotions. They have a way of getting people inspired and can be a catalyst for people to find each other. They are loyal and expects loyalty from others. They are sociable and have a strong leadership presence.
- ENTJ
(Extravert. Intuitive, Thinking, Judging)
People under this personality type are straightforward and direct. They are born leaders. They are logical and efficient and can pin-point what does not work in a system. They have a keen knack for planning, goal-setting, and execution. They are determined and forceful in sharing ideas.
Once we have determined our personality type, it can give us a clear idea of who we are and how we communicate and interact with others. If there are traits that we do not like in ourselves, there is a way we can change it.
We can start by observing our interactions with other people, close to us, and not. If things happen nicely, then we can stick with that. If not, seek to change ourselves.
There are many descriptions above on what type of personality we can be. If we’re an introvert, let’s strive to become an extrovert. We don’t need a major flip to change. It can happen gradually.
Now that we know what is the Myer-Briggs personality test and what it can do for us, we can enjoy who we have become or improve ourselves to the personality type we want to be. We can use this to our advantage in our work environment or our relationship with our partners, friends, and family.